People across the UK are being urged to pay close attention to persistent mouth ulcers following a stark health warning from a leading dental expert. While most mouth ulcers are harmless and clear up quickly, some could signal something far more serious.
When a Common Problem Becomes a Concern
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are common painful lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth. They are typically round or oval with a red, inflamed border and a white, yellow, or grey centre. These sores are not contagious and usually heal on their own within one to two weeks.
However, Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, has issued a critical 'don't ignore' warning. He emphasises that any ulcer lasting longer than two weeks requires immediate medical attention, as it could be an early indicator of oral or throat cancer.
This warning comes at a crucial time, as cases of these cancers continue to rise across the United Kingdom. The Oral Health Foundation reports that mouth cancer cases have doubled over the past two decades, with HPV-related throat cancers being among the fastest-growing cancer types, particularly in men.
The Critical Red Flags You Must Not Ignore
Dr Bozic advises that everyone should seek a professional check-up without delay if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- A mouth ulcer that persists for longer than two weeks
- A lump, patch, or sore spot that keeps recurring in the same area
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing
- An unexplained lump in the neck or under the jaw
"These cancers often start small and painless. You might not feel unwell, so the temptation is to wait and see if it heals. But catching it early makes all the difference," Dr Bozic explained.
He further noted that early tissue changes, including white or red patches, non-healing ulcers, or thickened areas inside the mouth, are frequently first detected by dentists and oral surgeons during routine examinations.
Protecting Your Oral Health
Maintaining regular dental check-ups every six months is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure early detection of serious conditions. "Your dentist isn't only checking for cavities," Dr Bozic said. "We're also trained to spot early signs of cancer, infections and other diseases that may first appear inside the mouth."
He also recommends practising good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting alcohol consumption, as these are major risk factors for oral and throat cancers. Ensuring young people receive the HPV vaccination provides additional protection.
For harmless ulcers, the NHS suggests that a pharmacist can recommend treatments to speed up healing, prevent infection, or reduce pain. These include antimicrobial mouthwash, painkilling gels or sprays, corticosteroid lozenges, or a simple salt water mouthwash.
"Most ulcers are nothing to worry about," Dr Bozic reassured. "But if one refuses to heal, don't wait. Getting it checked could save your life."
